The Benefits Of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

1509 Words4 Pages

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, “occupation refers to activities that support the health, well-being, and development of an individual” (“The Role of Occupational” n. pag.). For a child, these occupations are activities that enable them to learn life skills. A pediatric occupational therapist is one who specializes in the improvement of these skills for a child who struggles physically, socially, or mentally. Primary goals for both the therapist and the struggling child is to enhance and develop motor skills, increase overall awareness, and make improvements in the body and mind connections. I find it important and intriguing to address how these challenges in development can affect a person through physical weaknesses, …show more content…

Physical improvements range from being able to crawl or riding a bike or picking up a pencil. Occupational therapists can be used to help eradicate deficiencies in muscles in the arms and legs. Then these new skills can show improvements in walking, bicycling, and other activities. (“Occupational Therapy for Kids” n. pag.). Benefits to seeing a therapist for those who struggle in social situations and environments are broad. Positive outcomes of occupational therapy for school related issues can include: fewer suspension, reduction in problematic student behavior, improvements in student-peer relationships, and increased ability for student participation (“School-Based Initiatives” n. pag.). Achieving their greatest potential is often through mental awareness milestones such as described by Top Occupational Therapy Schools, “It is generally observed that children with sensory processing issues are unable to synthesize information in the basic five sense i.e. sight, smell, touch, hear, and taste. [...] Occupational therapy can help those young ones regain the skills and addresses the issue in a proper manner” (“Occupational Therapy for Kids” n. pag.). Outcomes and benefits of a pediatric occupational therapist can be one of the most valuable parts of the entire process and seeing how their role is making a huge progression for the child’s future.
In conclusion, a career in pediatric occupational therapy can be beneficial for both the therapist and the child who is seeking help. The future for occupational therapy is bright; with new tools and technology, therapists can more precisely diagnose and treat those who battle with physical deficiencies, social conflicts, and mental setbacks. Products and new methods of treatment are becoming more available around the world, helping children get the help they need to thrive in the

Open Document